In today’s ever-changing comics industry, there are two universal truths. The first one is dog man is an iconic comic of our time. The second is that more people are reading comics and online comics (also known as vertical comics) than ever before. So we at The Comics Beat chose to embark on a new adventure: Bit’s Bizarre Adventure. Each week we ask three authors to recommend some of their favorite books and series from Japan, Korea, and elsewhere. This week, in our special vampire edition, we have vampire girlfriends, vampire students, and of course, Dracula.
vampire
Writer/Artist: mind
Translator: molly rabbit
Proofreading: Patrick Sutton
Production: Glenn Isip, Nicole Dozic, Moe Harrison
Original cover design: Departures
digital: Tanelli Vatanen
Publisher: denpa
I’ve read a lot of vampire comics over the years: hell song, Seraph of the End, Rosario + Vampire, Blood Blade, Blood+, call of night. But there is one book that I have read and reread so many times that it has become a source of comfort to me: Akili vampire. The Vampire Yuri series aired from 2019 to 2023 and told the story of a 14-year-old girl, Ichika. She falls in love with Alya, a vampire lord from abroad and an old friend of Ichika’s late grandmother. Alya also becomes interested in Ichika and moves in with her. But Alya wants Ichika to kill her with the holy sword. Cue Arya’s vampire rival arriving, either to kill her or to stop her from committing suicide. Meanwhile, Ichika offers Alya love and affection, convincing her that life (or at least the undead) is worth living.
what i like vampire This is how Aria lives a long life, impacting the lives of others. She is the catalyst for the fate of other vampires around the world. The character has the typical big eyes found in comics, but they are not entirely detailed in terms of lines. This allows Akali to draw vivid expressions: wide-eyed, open-mouthed, and even fall down. condorito comics.
While many panels lack context, it’s barely noticeable as the focus is entirely on the characters and speech bubbles. Backgrounds are only used to change the scenery or show different angles within the same environment. I also recognized the use of specific Clip Studio Paint brushes and resources. As a working artist, it’s validating to see other artists using and repurposing available assets in creative ways. It makes me feel less ashamed of myself for doing this.
Aria and Ichika’s relationship is very cute. They talk, go to school together, kiss, and blush and wide-eyed throughout the scene. I also love the characters of Aria and Kara. They pull all kinds of pranks, such as running around school wearing overly elaborate horse masks. And, Arya kicks a giant crow in the face! — Justin Guerrero
my poor vampire life
Writer/Artist: Ishikawa Rose
translate: Amber Tamosatis
Engraving: Lina Mapa
Publisher: seven seas entertainment
Koide is your typical edgy 16-year-old, except for the fact that he’s a vampire. This year will be his 134th freshman year of high school. The same boring cliques of students, the same boring classes; it was a first for his classmates, but it was just a boring repetition for him. To make matters worse, he had to endure it all when the sun was out and his energy was at its lowest. Is this a cycle that he can finally fit into?
Ishikawa Roseof my poor vampire life Perfect Sunday read for me. The premise is simple but imaginative, filled with vampire-related superstitions and pop culture references. Ishikawa playfully changes or subverts common vampire tropes. They won’t turn to ash when exposed to sunlight, but they can become sick if left outside for any length of time. They avoid contact with water and have a strong dislike for dogs because they are descended from wolves. “Young” vampires must go to high school or they will be hunted by the government. In 1880, Koide became a vampire at the age of 16, so he is always new.
This series has some blink-and-you’ll-miss-it dark moments. Koide’s vampire friend Miura nonchalantly explains that the marks on his back are from when he was tortured in the Middle Ages. Death or dying is also a common occurrence for vampires, who must learn to say goodbye to family, friends, and acquaintances. But Ishikawa doesn’t let you down too much, lighting up the drama with her whimsical art style and imitation-worthy facial expressions.
I love the repetition of jokes in comedy comics, the repetition itself becomes funny in just the right amount; however, I understand that this may turn some people off. The series only has two volumes, and while some of the jokes may feel redundant, they’re not long enough to make them annoying. I recommend this series to those (mostly) looking for a light, short, and fun series to read in between longer or more challenging comics. — Merve Guire
Kitaro’s Kitaro
Writer/Artist: Mizuki Shigeru
Translator: Zach Davidson
Publisher: Sweepstakes and Quarterly Magazine
Mizuki Shigeru is one of the most influential comic book artists in history, but for many years his work was not available in English. That began to change as his anti-war stories were translated towards our noble deathespecially the success of his four-volume history/memoir Showa. However, Mizuki is best known in Japan not for his horrific history, but for his ghostly and humorous stories about supernatural monsters. These are centrally located Kitaro’s Kitarothis series made Mizuki a household name.
Kitaro is a one-eyed boy who was born in a cemetery. His father is a walking eyeball that lives in his head. Kitaro is fast, powerful, and can protect himself with curly hair. But he is not a traditional hero. He will help those in need, but only when He wants to. Likewise, many of the troublesome monsters he encounters are (in other cases) his friends. the supernatural world a guitar It’s the chaos of a bunch of annoying neighbors and crooks, not the endless tournaments of the Shonen Jump manga. Yokai don’t fight to become stronger, but instead take things when they’re bored or hungry.
Of course, Kitaro is just one of many memorable characters in the series. His one-time ally Rat Man keeps tricking other souls and humans alike, only to get into terrible trouble. (reader Showa You might be surprised how differently he behaves here. Other guest stars include the fiery Hideri Gami, the cunning Nurarihyon, and even a descendant of Dracula. (This is our vampire connection.)
These comics were drawn decades ago and may be a little dated. The pacing is much more compressed than is typical of comics today. The story also sometimes ends abruptly, as if Mizuki ran out of ideas or space. However, Mizuki’s insight into human nature is as sharp as in his historical works. These stories are less about “good versus evil” than about threading the needle between natural forces and human (or non-human) desires. Kitaro himself is as susceptible to these powers as anyone else.
As an American, I didn’t recognize all the folktales that Mizuki repeated in the book. a guitar. But I love what I do; I never thought a kappa would use its forehead disk as a lens. Mizuki superfan Zack Davisson also has helpful “Yokai Files” for everyone a guitar Published so far. He is the chief translator of “Seven” a guitar Published from Drawn and Quarterly. There is also a thick 400 page option of Drawn & Quarterly a guitar Collection, translated by Jocelyn Allen. No matter which flavor of Kitaro you prefer, it’s a great time. — Adam Westcott
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